The 2 dimensional cat living in a 3 dimensional world.

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Cat eyes: superior vision

Continuing our study of all the feline’s senses, we now explore the most stylish and elegant of them all: cat eyes. Positioned deep in the face and looking straight to the front to help us calculate the distance between us and prey, while not being so obvious to predator’s searches. But of course the eyes’ most famous trait is the size.

Size does matter… to cat eyes. Pic: RoxyRoxLA

Yes, they are a tad too big (in fact if humans’ eyes were that size, they will measure 8″ in diameter, covering half their faces!) but they act as an example of “size does matters”: a bigger cornea lets in more light for better vision. Our peripheral vision is beyond awesome, our close ups? not as good. That is why kitty can easily find the bird up in the tree… but can’t seem to recognize the kibble right in front of her.

Superhero gadgets:

Our pupils are elliptical instead of round so they open and close faster depending on the amount of light in the room.

Cat’s night vision is legendary, including in its roster a glow in the dark effect! This one caused by (open your Hogwarts dictionary to page 526) the tapetum lucidum, a layer of cells that live behind the retina and act like a mirror, reflecting more light so we can see clearer at night. We still can’t see in total darkness, but we act like we do.

Do humans have an extra eyelid? Bummer. We do! It’s really a membrane – nictitating membrane to be specific – and this one rests in the corner of the eye until needed. At that moment, swoosh! it slides to protect the eye from being poked by alien objects as well as to keep that eyeball lubricated and clean.

I know what you’re thinking: “sure it’s all cool, but can you see colors?” The answer, of course, is YES (though not as bright as you do), gotta give you something to brag about.

*Big thank you to @RoxyRoxLA for the pics. Your eyes are simply marvelous!